What Is Stumpwork Embroidery? Hint: It Has Nothing To Do With Wood

Ever wonder, "What is stumpwork embroidery?" It takes your hand embroidery to another dimension and makes it appear to jump right off of the fabric. Although it looks difficult, stumpwork builds on basic hand embroidery stitches to create gorgeous, 3-D projects with strikingly realistic results.

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What is stumpwork embroidery?

Also known as raised embroidery, stumpwork originated in mid-1600s England. Traditional stumpwork creations most often depict nature: flowers, insects and small animals.

Artwork can be drawn by hand and pre-printed panels are also quite popular. In the photo above, fairy wings are stitched on fabric, then cut out and attached to the project. The addition of silk ribbon embroidery, and items such as hair and clothing, adds further interest.

Embroidery begins on the fabric surface then explodes into life-like portraits in thread.